L200, Navara, Ranger - are they a bit crap??
Discussion
What are these like? Not as commercial vehicles, but as a truck for fun.
Meaning, with the intent of lifting it with 33-36" tyres on for a monster truck like look and then using it off road, for camping, seating 4 people in and having a usable flatbed for hoseholdy type things.
As a point of reference I am very familiar with Land Rover's. I know how good these are and how fickle they can be with silly niggles. But they are generally solid and reliable, drive fairly well on road and very good off it.
Ideally a Yank truck like a Ram or Silverado would be more ideal for the monstertruck look. But diesels are rare and to go off road in the UK they probably are slightly too big.
Reason I ask about the other trucks is, I've always loved the look of a monster truck and I saw an L200 on big wheels and a fairly large lift the other day. It really looked the business, so got me thinking, how capable are these compact class trucks we have in the UK?
For reference only, this is the kind of look that appeal:
But it needs to be able to tackle something like this too without huge damage or getting stuck every 4 feet or so:
EDIT:
I know Land Rover's are good. But looking for a different take on it. I really want 4 seats and a pickup, a D110 double cab is out of budget and I already have a Land Rover, so looking for something different.
Cheers.
Meaning, with the intent of lifting it with 33-36" tyres on for a monster truck like look and then using it off road, for camping, seating 4 people in and having a usable flatbed for hoseholdy type things.
As a point of reference I am very familiar with Land Rover's. I know how good these are and how fickle they can be with silly niggles. But they are generally solid and reliable, drive fairly well on road and very good off it.
Ideally a Yank truck like a Ram or Silverado would be more ideal for the monstertruck look. But diesels are rare and to go off road in the UK they probably are slightly too big.
Reason I ask about the other trucks is, I've always loved the look of a monster truck and I saw an L200 on big wheels and a fairly large lift the other day. It really looked the business, so got me thinking, how capable are these compact class trucks we have in the UK?
For reference only, this is the kind of look that appeal:
But it needs to be able to tackle something like this too without huge damage or getting stuck every 4 feet or so:
EDIT:
I know Land Rover's are good. But looking for a different take on it. I really want 4 seats and a pickup, a D110 double cab is out of budget and I already have a Land Rover, so looking for something different.
Cheers.
I'm currently driving a Ranger at work, before that I had an L200 and before that a Freelander commercial and I would say the Ranger is the best of the 3 although the L200 isn't far behind. I've never had a problem going off road in either the Ranger of the L200 and have tackled similar stuff to what you have in your pictures without any problems. The Freelander was rubbish and apart from constantly breaking down it also got stuck a few times when off road however both the L200 and the Ranger went to places where I wouldn't even consider taking the Freelander.
My only problem with the Ranger and L200 was that neither of them like wet roads and I had a few scary moments the first time I took them out in the wet but you quickly get used to it and drive accordingly.
So in summary I would say they are definitely not crap and actually quite good fun when you take them off road.
My only problem with the Ranger and L200 was that neither of them like wet roads and I had a few scary moments the first time I took them out in the wet but you quickly get used to it and drive accordingly.
So in summary I would say they are definitely not crap and actually quite good fun when you take them off road.
Arnold The Bat said:
I'm currently driving a Ranger at work, before that I had an L200 and before that a Freelander commercial and I would say the Ranger is the best of the 3 although the L200 isn't far behind. I've never had a problem going off road in either the Ranger of the L200 and have tackled similar stuff to what you have in your pictures without any problems. The Freelander was rubbish and apart from constantly breaking down it also got stuck a few times when off road however both the L200 and the Ranger went to places where I wouldn't even consider taking the Freelander.
My only problem with the Ranger and L200 was that neither of them like wet roads and I had a few scary moments the first time I took them out in the wet but you quickly get used to it and drive accordingly.
So in summary I would say they are definitely not crap and actually quite good fun when you take them off road.
Cheers, the "crap" comment was more to bait... My only problem with the Ranger and L200 was that neither of them like wet roads and I had a few scary moments the first time I took them out in the wet but you quickly get used to it and drive accordingly.
So in summary I would say they are definitely not crap and actually quite good fun when you take them off road.
Do you know any specs of the trucks, as in suspension type and axle type? This info seems very hard to come buy. Also do you know any places that offer lift kits and the like for these, specifically the Ranger?
I've also heard/read a lot of scare stories concerning reliability with the L200 and Navara. Are these founded? Does the Ranger also suffer such issues?
Ta.
papabear said:
don't worry, 300BHP should be along soon with some american suggestions
This made me giggle. Anyway, back on topic, I've always thought the L200 is unfairly maligned. Sure, the image is a bit low-rent, but is it not quite a capable machine and great value? If I was in the market for such a thing I wouldn't look much beyond one.
I've just traded in my new shape Warrior (06 plate) for a new Barbarian.
The Warrior did 65,000 miles without missing a beat. Only had to replace tyres. The Mitsi stability system does a pretty good job of keeping things pointing in the right direction and the 4wd system from the Shogun is excellent.
Some old shape L200's had overheating/head problems but as always you only hear about the bad experiences.
All the pickups have leaf springs at the rear unless you go for the Walkinshaw conversion which replaces the leafs with coils but keeps the 1 tonne payload.
The Warrior did 65,000 miles without missing a beat. Only had to replace tyres. The Mitsi stability system does a pretty good job of keeping things pointing in the right direction and the 4wd system from the Shogun is excellent.
Some old shape L200's had overheating/head problems but as always you only hear about the bad experiences.
All the pickups have leaf springs at the rear unless you go for the Walkinshaw conversion which replaces the leafs with coils but keeps the 1 tonne payload.
I used to have the old Ranger, now have the new version.
A far better vehicle. Quieter, more economical, more comfortable etc.
Coped extremely well in last winters snow and capable off road (although I don't challenge it)
I have the smaller double cab. seats in the back are no good for adults, but acceptable for kids to early teens IMO.
Pay load area is acceptable with the smaller cab, but verging on useless with the bigger cab.
A far better vehicle. Quieter, more economical, more comfortable etc.
Coped extremely well in last winters snow and capable off road (although I don't challenge it)
I have the smaller double cab. seats in the back are no good for adults, but acceptable for kids to early teens IMO.
Pay load area is acceptable with the smaller cab, but verging on useless with the bigger cab.
Because they're designed more for load-lugging they generally don't have the wheel articulation of a more serious truck and are often a bit more compromised in ramp/departure angle, but still fairly capable - I've clocked up a lot of offroad work miles in standard Hiluxes (IRS front, leaf sprung live rear) - LSD makes a big difference too.
In a lot of cases the newer models are more road-focussed as manufacturers realise how much of their market never ventures further off road than a muddy paddock.
I don't know how common they are over there but personally I'd be taking a Nissan Safari (/Patrol) over a Landrover for proper offroad work, just as capable (especially with the factory option difflocks), built like a tank and practically unkillable. The 4.2 TDI has torque for Africa too.
In a lot of cases the newer models are more road-focussed as manufacturers realise how much of their market never ventures further off road than a muddy paddock.
I don't know how common they are over there but personally I'd be taking a Nissan Safari (/Patrol) over a Landrover for proper offroad work, just as capable (especially with the factory option difflocks), built like a tank and practically unkillable. The 4.2 TDI has torque for Africa too.
Edited by GravelBen on Thursday 9th September 10:36
For Really serious (verging on ridiculous) work i'd still put my money on the trusty old Land Rover.
The ability to bolt every panel on (including the roof) is a real benefit if you intend on pushing them till they fall over.
I'd take the Nissan Patrol / Toyota Land Cruiser over a Disco mostly on dependability.
That said, my trusty ol XJ Cherokee is doing a grand job at the mo.
The ability to bolt every panel on (including the roof) is a real benefit if you intend on pushing them till they fall over.
I'd take the Nissan Patrol / Toyota Land Cruiser over a Disco mostly on dependability.
That said, my trusty ol XJ Cherokee is doing a grand job at the mo.
doogz said:
Does the L200 have the 4WD system and diffs from the Shogun, or the Shogun Sport?
2H - 4H - 4HC - 4LC, with a seperate switch to lock the rear diff?
Or,
2H - 4H - 4LH with a LSD at the rear and no diff locks?
The abbreviations/whatever you want to call them might not be quite correct, but if you know the answer to the question, then you'll know what i mean.
I'd be interested to know this too.2H - 4H - 4HC - 4LC, with a seperate switch to lock the rear diff?
Or,
2H - 4H - 4LH with a LSD at the rear and no diff locks?
The abbreviations/whatever you want to call them might not be quite correct, but if you know the answer to the question, then you'll know what i mean.
I suppose my dilemma is. I like Land Rover's, but they have a look all of their own and I want a more conventional truck and just something different.
But what I don't want is to always thing bugger
this is just no where near as good as a Landy.The Yank pickups really appeal and the US Ford Ranger (which is a totally different truck to the UK one - found after some digging on the web yesterday), seems pretty cool. Dodge Ram I like a lot, and while the size on road isn't an issue. I know it'll be more of an issue off it, mostly due to the lanes and amount of trees where I'm likely to venture. Even a Disco is arguably too big, but I do really want/need 4 seats and some lugging ability.
Ho hum, only looking and an interest for now anyway.
300bhp/ton said:
I'd be interested to know this too.
Well I answered the question 2 posts up but as usual noone listen to me!!Go here, http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/l200/technology.a... and click on Super Select 4wd for the info.
Sixpackpert said:
300bhp/ton said:
I'd be interested to know this too.
Well I answered the question 2 posts up but as usual noone listen to me!!Go here, http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/l200/technology.a... and click on Super Select 4wd for the info.
Any ideas about the earlier L200 (sorry don't know model numbers). The one with the off centre bonnet scoop.
300bhp/ton said:
Sixpackpert said:
300bhp/ton said:
I'd be interested to know this too.
Well I answered the question 2 posts up but as usual noone listen to me!!Go here, http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/l200/technology.a... and click on Super Select 4wd for the info.
Any ideas about the earlier L200 (sorry don't know model numbers). The one with the off centre bonnet scoop.
It did not have the Shogun transmission.
A couple of people that I know have an 04 Plate Ranger (with all the off road stuff you mention, 33" Tyres, Winch & Bumper, Rock Sliders etc.) and his brother has just bought a 59 Plate L200 (standard all bar a locking rear diff)
The Ranger is very thirsty, about 16-18mpg at best on it's tyres, while the L200 reaches nearly 30mpg when left in 2WD.
The Ranger is capable of keeping up off-road with my Land Rover Ninety, although the engine is a little wheezy so it has to be worked hard, it's fine when in the 'zone'. The last time we all went off road, there was a very slippery slope we all had to ascend, and while the LR90, Ranger, and after an ambitious entry, the L200 made it up without too many problems. A friend then tried to follow in their Navara, and that was about and inch away from sliding into a tree thanks to no control over where any of it's power went. It then finished the day with 3 wheel drive!
The Ranger is very thirsty, about 16-18mpg at best on it's tyres, while the L200 reaches nearly 30mpg when left in 2WD.
The Ranger is capable of keeping up off-road with my Land Rover Ninety, although the engine is a little wheezy so it has to be worked hard, it's fine when in the 'zone'. The last time we all went off road, there was a very slippery slope we all had to ascend, and while the LR90, Ranger, and after an ambitious entry, the L200 made it up without too many problems. A friend then tried to follow in their Navara, and that was about and inch away from sliding into a tree thanks to no control over where any of it's power went. It then finished the day with 3 wheel drive!
mister.t said:
A couple of people that I know have an 04 Plate Ranger (with all the off road stuff you mention, 33" Tyres, Winch & Bumper, Rock Sliders etc.) and his brother has just bought a 59 Plate L200 (standard all bar a locking rear diff)
The Ranger is very thirsty, about 16-18mpg at best on it's tyres, while the L200 reaches nearly 30mpg when left in 2WD.
The Ranger is capable of keeping up off-road with my Land Rover Ninety, although the engine is a little wheezy so it has to be worked hard, it's fine when in the 'zone'. The last time we all went off road, there was a very slippery slope we all had to ascend, and while the LR90, Ranger, and after an ambitious entry, the L200 made it up without too many problems. A friend then tried to follow in their Navara, and that was about and inch away from sliding into a tree thanks to no control over where any of it's power went. It then finished the day with 3 wheel drive!
Curious, what engine has the Ranger got?The Ranger is very thirsty, about 16-18mpg at best on it's tyres, while the L200 reaches nearly 30mpg when left in 2WD.
The Ranger is capable of keeping up off-road with my Land Rover Ninety, although the engine is a little wheezy so it has to be worked hard, it's fine when in the 'zone'. The last time we all went off road, there was a very slippery slope we all had to ascend, and while the LR90, Ranger, and after an ambitious entry, the L200 made it up without too many problems. A friend then tried to follow in their Navara, and that was about and inch away from sliding into a tree thanks to no control over where any of it's power went. It then finished the day with 3 wheel drive!
I'd also be keen to see some pics
As a side note, I'm fairly experienced with LR engines, Tdi and V8. I've got a modded 200Tdi at present and compete in RTV trials.
While I'm not expecting a larger truck to be as nimble (also worse approach/departure and ramp over angles). I like it to not get stuck everywhwre.
Even with locking axle diffs LR's do a pretty good job, but I know this is down to live axles and good suspension. My Mum had a Frontera with IFS (not sure if its was IRS or not) and that was hopeless off road, always lifting a wheel and spinning away power.
I bought a 3.0Tdi 06 Isuzu Rodeo back in Feb and really can’t fault it. I’m restoring an old cottage so needed something that could be used as a car during the week for work, but needed a pick-up for the weekend, so it ticked all the boxes. Mines got all the all the toys, leather, bars etc and the best air con I have ever encountered on any vehicle. The advantages for me are, 1 ton load capacity, 4wd and great road presence. However there are a few disadvantages including, choppy ride, fuel economy and it’s difficult to carry long loads.
The Rodeo often seems to be overlooked by the Navara, L200, Ranger, and I’m not sure why as I test drove them all and the Rodeo was certainly as good as any.
I can’t comment on off road ability, but on a recent trip to Wales, every hill farmer and his dog had one so they must be okay.
The Rodeo often seems to be overlooked by the Navara, L200, Ranger, and I’m not sure why as I test drove them all and the Rodeo was certainly as good as any.
I can’t comment on off road ability, but on a recent trip to Wales, every hill farmer and his dog had one so they must be okay.
madjules said:
I bought a 3.0Tdi 06 Isuzu Rodeo back in Feb and really can’t fault it. I’m restoring an old cottage so needed something that could be used as a car during the week for work, but needed a pick-up for the weekend, so it ticked all the boxes. Mines got all the all the toys, leather, bars etc and the best air con I have ever encountered on any vehicle. The advantages for me are, 1 ton load capacity, 4wd and great road presence. However there are a few disadvantages including, choppy ride, fuel economy and it’s difficult to carry long loads.
The Rodeo often seems to be overlooked by the Navara, L200, Ranger, and I’m not sure why as I test drove them all and the Rodeo was certainly as good as any.
I can’t comment on off road ability, but on a recent trip to Wales, every hill farmer and his dog had one so they must be okay.
I fogot about the Rodeo too. I looked at one too when I was considering a Navara and it looked a fine piece of kit. Can't comment on its off-road ability but it was fitted out very nicely for the road.The Rodeo often seems to be overlooked by the Navara, L200, Ranger, and I’m not sure why as I test drove them all and the Rodeo was certainly as good as any.
I can’t comment on off road ability, but on a recent trip to Wales, every hill farmer and his dog had one so they must be okay.
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